Lightfoot Club’s catcher John “Sole Man” Neal goes after the lemon peel (ball) off the bat of a Knoxville Holstons player
photo by Kymberly Thomas
The Lightfoot and Mountain City Clubs, the two local clubs of the Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball will take to the former Army Post at Fort Oglethorpe’s polo field on June 18, with bragging rights on the line. The single match begins at 12 p.m. and is free to attend. This is the second year of play for both clubs and they sit at the top of the standings with their undefeated records of 5-0.
The clubs competed on May 7 in the inaugural 6th Cavalry Cup Championship with the match going ten innings before the Lightfoot Club gained the victory 7-6 over Mountain City. While the match claimed the 6th Cavalry Cup Championship for the Lightfoots, the match did not affect the standings. This season the Lightfoot Club has scored 79 aces (runs) and allowed 51 aces to be scored against them. The Mountain City Club’s defense has been very stingy allowing only 8 aces to be scored against them while scoring 81 aces.
In the spirit of part living-history, part sporting event; Vintage Base Ball’s mission is to entertain and educate our communities by recreating the civility of 19th century barehanded base ball, played on an open field. The league observes the rules and customs of the 1860’s with ballists playing in period-appropriate uniforms, using period-appropriate equipment and customs. Base ball was a gentleman's game back then. There was no spittin', no swearin' and no gloves.
Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets as there is no bleacher seating. Period dress is encouraged but not required. The 6th Cavalry Museum will be open during the match so spectators can tour the museum and see the Smithsonian Institute’s Hometown Teams national exhibition. To learn more about Vintage Base Ball visit tennesseevintagebaseball.com.
The Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball and all of its teams are recognized nationally by the Vintage Base Ball Association.